To Live
"Old man, what is this?"
"That's a poisonous weed, and it's Shiroー"
"Old man, what about that?"
"You can eat it if you roast it, and it's Shiroー"
"I found a mushroom that smells so good!"
"Throw it away, and wash your hands, and it's Shiroー"
"Old man, this frog…"
"You can't eat it and I'm not an old man. You can call me by my name."
Heaps of grass are being stuffed into the baskets that were just made from dry grass this morning.
"Are you sure we can eat this, old man?"
"Call me by name. You can eat it, it's delicious."
"Oh, should I start a fire?"
"Yeah, boil the water too."
"Alright."
When the old man is boiling water, he adds some grass.
"Can't you just put them all in?"
"First of all, it's just this type. This is a poisonous plant."
"Ha? Is it okay?"
"It's not a problem as long as it spills over. I'll take care of this, you help them over there."
Everyone is doing something in the direction he pointed to.
"What are you making them do?"
"It's the root of a species called blackis. Peel off the outer skin and eat the white part."
Everyone is worried that the skin is thick and getting smaller and smaller.
"The edible part is small, but it's rich and delicious. Don't skimp on the skin, thinking it's a waste because you can't eat it."
The other guy is grinding another grass on the rock.
―――――――――
"Delicious..."
I never thought that plain grass could be so delicious.
"It would have been nice if there were some spices and seasonings, but I used blackis root to flavor it."
"We can eat this every day!"
"Right!"
I feel like I haven't seen a smile on my friend's face in a while.
Among them is Al, who cannot walk yet.
"No, this time is special."
"What do you mean?"
"Blackis root is effective against illness and fatigue, but eating too much is not good for you.''
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, if you eat too much, blood will come out from your internal organs. In the worst case scenario, you'll die, you know?"
My friend's spoon stopped when he heard that.
"Right now, you can eat as much as you want, and as long as that's enough, nothing abnormal will happen."
Everyone seemed relieved after hearing that and started eating again.
"This time you needed to fill your stomach without using your physical strength. Starting tomorrow, you'll catch some fish."
"Are we going to the river?"
"That's right, the tools are made there too. So, everyone, listen."
Shiro suddenly becomes serious.
Everyone looks nervous.
"I only have about 20 days left to take care of you guys."
I can hear anxious voices from my friends saying, [Only that?]
"That's why I'll do everything in 20 days so you guys can live."
"You'll do it? For us?"
"It's up to you guys. You'll get some food in the morning, and I'll teach you some studies in the afternoon."
"S-study!?"
"Do you not like it?"
"We don’t have that kind of money!"
"I don’t need it."
"What are you aiming for, old man?"
"It's Shiro, can you please stop calling me an old man? My aim will change depending on how smart you guys get in 20 days."
"………"
Everyone looks at each other
"What should you do? Wanna do it?"
"…Please teach me!"
Al was the first to cry out.
"Me too!"
"Me too!"
"Me too!"
Everyone agrees, following Al.
"Sure! I'll teach you everything about reading, writing, and calculations. Follow me like you're life depends on it!"
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